Page 172 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Gums

• Gums are hydrocolloids either anionic or nonionic polysaccharides or salts
of polysaccharides, produced by plants as a protective product after injury
or unfavorable growth conditions (abnormal products).

• Heterogenous polysaccharides which on hydrolysis give mixture of sugars
(other than glucose)+ uronic acids.

• They are formed from the cell wall by the action of enzymes. This process
is called (gummosis)

• Gums are insoluble in most organic solvents.
• In water they either dissolve or form a viscous colloidal solution or jelly-

like masses
Uses

• film coating agents, buccal films, microspheres, nanoparticles, viscous
liquid formulations like ophthalmic solutions, suspensions, implants

• viscosity enhancers, stabilisers, disintegrants, solubilisers, emulsifiers,
suspending agents, gelling agents, bioadhesives & binders

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